Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has insisted that securing a Champions League spot has always been the main objective of the season.

The Reds are in contention to secure European football as well as the Premier League title as they are currently four points adrift of leaders Chelsea in the table.

While Sakho has insisted that a top-four finish is the priority, the Frenchman believes that Sunday's victory over arch rivals Manchester United could be a pivotal result in the club's title charge.

"Our first objective this season was to qualify for the Champions League and we're in a great position to achieve that," Sakho told the Liverpool Echo. "We want to finish as high as we possibly can.

"The United game was great to watch. A result like that counts for a lot. Liverpool have got better and better since the start of the season."

Sakho has returned to fitness following a 10-week layoff with a torn tendon in his leg.